The Health Services Union has warned that the aged care sector is “on the brink of collapse”, with a survey of workers revealing 75% are considering jumping ship if they don’t get a significant pay rise.
In the survey of almost 2000 workers, 91% said securing a full 25% pay rise from the Fair Work Commission is “extremely important”, and three in four are considering leaving the sector otherwise – of these, most say they would leave “soon”, “within months” or “in the next six months”.
Disability care topped the list of destinations, with 26.2% saying they would seek employment there, followed by retail at 12.3% and health at 10.7%.
“I give every resident 100% every day, but the ‘powers that be’ do not value the work we do,” said a worker named “Lana” in response to the survey.
“Every day we put our bodies through hell, cop abuse (verbal and physical), wipe away tears, wipe bums, clean hands, faces, feet and all the other body parts. And all of this in such a short timeframe that it seems almost impossible, but we still get it done.”
According to HSU National President Gerard Hayes (pictured), the workforce crisis is not one that can be solved by “bringing in the army or phasing in a pay rise”.
“We need an urgent injection of money into the bank accounts of workers. Aged care workers cop abuse, pain and back-breaking strain. They do some of society’s most unpleasant and demanding work. And until now they have been paid three-fifths of bugger all with pathetic job security.
“Enough is enough. The time for platitudes and reviews has passed. Our work value case is absolutely pivotal. Unless we want our elderly cared for by robots and fed frankfurts and jelly, we need to commit to funding a full pay rise for all sections of the aged care workforce,” he said.
The union initially welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s interim 15% pay rise for direct care workers, but has indicated it will continue to campaign for the full 25% it has been seeking, and for the increase to be extended to administrative and support staff as well.
